Child Start Early Childhood Programs (Head Start, Early Head Start, State Preschool, Child Care Partnerships)

Child Start Early Childhood Programs (Head Start, Early Head Start, State Preschool, Child Care Partnerships) offers early childhood education and family-focused services through multiple program options. The programs include Head Start Preschool, Early Head Start, State Preschool, Child Care Partnerships, and General Child Care, and they also administer the Raising-A-Reader program and the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program).

• Ages: 0–5 years old
• Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 7:30AM–4:00PM

Child Start has been providing early childhood education and family development services to approximately 1,000 children annually since 1965. Its mission is to support the education, social and emotional development of children ages 0–5 by providing high quality, comprehensive and family-focused early childhood services in partnership with the community. The organization provides school readiness and family support services to approximately 1,000 children across Napa and Solano Counties in its Head Start, Early Head Start, Child Care Partnerships, State Preschool and General Child Care programs.

The leadership team includes Executive Director Juan Cisneros, Deputy Director Susan Smith, Program Operations Director for Child Care Partnerships April, Employment Opportunities contact Esmeralda Salinas, and Verification of Employment contact Amanda Maguire. Child Start has been recognized as an early childhood education leader throughout Napa and Solano Counties. In 2001, it became the third agency in California to administer the Raising-a-Reader program, and in 2016, it became one of the first agencies in the country to be funded for Early Head Start–Child Care Partnerships.

The Head Start Preschool program prepares children for school in a center-based setting, supporting their readiness for kindergarten. The Early Head Start program focuses on building strong partnerships between staff and parents to support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The State Preschool program serves children ages 3 to 5 in a structured, high-quality learning environment that focuses on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development and prepares them for success in kindergarten and beyond. The Child Care Partnership program focuses on improving the quality and effectiveness of licensed child care centers and family child care homes in Napa and Solano Counties. Child Start also implements the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), which provides parents with a toolbox to become more confident and effective parents.

Child Start works hand-in-hand with community services to support low-income families and is the administrator for the national Raising-A-Reader program. Through funding from the Napa Valley Community Foundation and the First 5 Commission of Napa County, as well as support from the Napa County Office of Education, Child Start became the third agency in California to join the national Raising-A-Reader program. Child Start states that it deeply values the support of its community partners and benefactors in helping achieve its mission.

Parents and former participants describe their experiences with the programs. One Head Start alum, Diana, shared, “What I like the most about Head Start is that I was able to be around many friends, and Maestra Irene made a big impact in my life.” A Head Start parent, Maria, said, “Child Start has been a blessing for our family. My daughter was shy and struggled with social skills, but the teachers in the Head Start program gave her the confidence and support she needed. Now, she’s excited to start kindergarten, and I know she’s ready because of the nurturing environment Child Start provided.” An Early Head Start parent, Jessica, said, “The Early Head Start Home Visiting program has been a game changer for our family. As a first-time mom, I had so many questions and worries, but our home visitor guided us every step of the way. My son has grown so much, and I feel more confident as a parent, knowing I have the tools to help him succeed.”

Last updated May 11, 2026.